MONTICELLO, N.Y. (February 8) – Resorts World Catskills today celebrated a significant milestone, officially opening its casino doors for business several weeks ahead of schedule. The luxury casino resort marked the occasion by welcoming thousands of guests to the gaming floor which included a private ribbon-cutting celebration for the property’s highly-anticipated opening.

Elected officials from New York State, Sullivan County, the Town of Thompson and the region joined executives from Resorts World Catskills for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following an invocation from Rabbi Simcha Zajac of Rock Hill, NY, the ceremony included speeches from dignitaries such as Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator John Bonacic, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther. Members of the Board of Directors of Empire Resorts and its executive team also participated in the ceremony. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, a beneficiary of the largest stockholder of the parent of Resorts World Catskills, had the honor of cutting the ribbon. The event concluded with a ceremonial Lion Dance performance to bring continued good fortune to the property.

Resorts World Catskills’ 100,000-square-foot casino floor features over 2,150 high-tech slots and 112 live table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Roulette and Pai Gow Tiles. A poker room and private luxurious gaming salons are expected to debut later in February.

Guests will also be able to choose from varied bar and restaurant experiences, ranging from fine dining to grab-and-go options, and can enjoy year-round live entertainment at the casino resort’s 2,500-seat event center, casino bars, restaurants and lounges.

“Today marks an exciting new era for us,” said Ryan Eller, President and CEO of Resorts World Catskills, “I’m incredibly proud of all of the hard work and dedication from our staff, local officials and the community that went into making this day possible. We’re committed to having a positive impact on the region and we’re looking forward to continuing to collaborate with the local community to ensure this happens. We are open for business and are ready to offer our guests unparalleled gaming, world-class amenities, and thrilling experiences like no other in the region.”

State and local officials praised the opening of the casino resort.

“The casino resort has created in excess of 1,300 new jobs and is expected to bring 4 million visitors to the Catskills each year, providing millions in revenue to the area,” said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. “Resorts World Catskills will be a destination with a variety of gaming, entertainment, and dining options for tourists near and far that will boost the region and benefit the entire State.” ​

“As we celebrate the opening of the fourth casino in upstate New York, we also mark an exciting new chapter for growth and prosperity in the region,” said Senator Bonacic. “Resorts World Catskills will deliver countless opportunities for the Catskills and we are incredibly optimistic for its future.”

“After years of collaboration among so many stakeholders, it is exciting to see our long-held vision to build a casino in Sullivan County come to fruition,” said Assemblywoman Gunther. “In addition to creating much needed jobs in the region, we look forward to the positive economic impact Resorts World Catskills will generate as a key driver of tourism to our region.”

“We are thrilled to be here today to commemorate this momentous occasion,” said Assemblyman Pretlow. “The launch of Resorts World Catskills in the very heart of Sullivan County will immeasurably enhance the region’s business, cultural, and aesthetic landscape and represents the re-emergence of the Catskills as a tourism destination that attracts visitors from across the country and beyond.”

“Today marks a major milestone, not only for Resorts World Catskills, but for all of Sullivan County,” said Luis Alvarez, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature. “We are confident that this casino resort will serve as a beacon of hope, opportunity and excitement for the region by generating new jobs, driving tourism, and contributing millions of dollars to our state and local economies.”

“The official opening of Resorts World Catskills has and will continue to serve as a catalyst for growth throughout the area,” said William J. Rieber, Jr., Supervisor of the Town of Thompson. “As the largest project in Thompson’s history, the luxury casino resort will drive tourism to the region and bolster economic opportunity while enhancing the town’s business and cultural landscape.”

About Resorts World CatskillsLocated in the heart New York’s Catskill region, Resorts World Catskills offers guests unmatched experiences in excitement, entertainment, and luxury. When complete, the casino resort will include an 18-story hotel and a casino and entertainment complex with approximately 100,000 square feet of casino floor, featuring more than 150 live Las-Vegas style table games, 2,150 state-of-the art slot machines, a poker room and private gaming salons; more than 10 varied bar and restaurant experiences, including fine dining, and an Italian steakhouse created by celebrity chef Scott Conant; and year-round live entertainment at the 2,500-seat event center, casino bars, restaurants and lounges. Hotel amenities will include 332 all-suite luxury rooms, including 12 penthouse suites, eight garden suites and seven two-story villas, two indoor pools, a spa and fitness center — all designed to meet 5-star and 5-diamond standards.

The destination resort in which Resorts World Catskills is located will also include an entertainment village providing additional entertainment, food and accommodations. In early 2019, a Rees Jones-redesigned golf course and The Kartrite, an indoor waterpark lodge will also be added to this destination resort.